The Third Party Monitoring Team (TMPT) shares updates on the Bangsamoro peace process implementation during its 8th Public Report Release on November 23, 2023, in Davao City. (Abdul Aziz Kamangon/BIO)
DAVAO CITY—The independent Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) presented the recent updates on the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (GPH-MILF) peace agreements during its 8th Public Report Release on Nov. 23, at Dusit Thani Residence in this city.
The report primarily highlights the political and normalization tracks of the Bangsamoro peace process, covering the period from February 2022 to October 2023.
Launched in 2013, the TPMT oversees the implementation of the peace accords between the National Government and the MILF, including the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) with its Annexes, which promote transparency and peace advancements in the Bangsamoro region and the entire Philippines.
TPMT Chairperson Heino Marius stated that the CAB is a unique form of autonomous political entity, reflecting the distinct cultural identity of the Bangsamoro.
Marius further said that the political track of the Bangsamoro peace process is at 50% completion, which includes the adoption of priority codes by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament and the seven (7) Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) mechanisms.
Also, he stressed that efforts must be made toward the normalization track as the transition period draws to a close.
The normalization track features significant interventions, especially discussing the decommissioning of former combatants, disbandment of private armed groups (PAGs), and renewal of the Presidential Proclamation on amnesty, among others.
On Nov. 24, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. granted amnesty to the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through Proclamation Nos. 405 and 406, which is consequential to the full implementation of the normalization track under the CAB.
Moreover, the Chairperson shared his observations, particularly mentioning the developments regarding public order and safety in the Bangsamoro region.
“There can be no doubt that the BARMM has become peaceful since the agreement has been signed.”
“We note as positive that a number of ceasefire violations between the two parties have remained low,” he added.
Marius then noted that the continued commitment between the GPH and MILF to fully implement the peace agreements is crucial to the successful conclusion of the Bangsamoro peace process.
According to the FAB, the TMPT is expected to work until the completion of the Exit Agreement.
Sustaining and improving peace, justice, and security across the BARMM aligns with the 11th priority under the Enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda of Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
